UNDP in Lebanon

Ceremony of Achievements and Experiences of Local Communities in Beirut and Saida

11 Apr 2014

undp lebanon - Ceremony of Achievements and Experiences

Within the framework of “Addressing Urban Hot Spots in Lebanon” and “Improving Living conditions of Palestinian Gatherings in Lebanon” projects, UNDP and UN-Habitat held a ceremony to highlight achievements and experiences of local communities in Beirut and Saida. The ceremony was held on April 11 at Makassed University in Beirut.

Representatives from the government of Japan and representatives from Al-Makassed Philanthropic Islamic Association of Beirut, Beirut Municipality, and beneficiaries from Beirut Tariq Al Jdidi and the Adjacent Areas to the Ain el Helwe camp attended the event.

During the ceremony, Mr. Renda gave a speech in which he thanked the partners and local community representatives for their support and continuous efforts and dedication in reducing tension and strengthening resilience among local communities. “I would also like to thank the Government of Germany and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation for their generous funding. We succeeded last year to implement 54 infrastructure projects in Palestinian Gatherings across Lebanon, and to rehabilitate and equip 317 shelters of Palestinian families from Syria seeking refuge in these Gatherings.”

He also thanked the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund for their contributions and added, “Our work with the Lebanese Army through the support to its Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) section is also of high significance. This partnership was marked by 1) the endorsement of a national strategy by the Army commander, 2) the support to the capacity building in CIMIC skills for Army officers and personnel, 3) the inauguration of the CIMIC section central offices and finally the support to the Army’s pilot community outreach interventions in the same neighborhoods we are gathered in today.”

The ceremony included a video about the “Addressing Urban Hot Spots in Lebanon” Project and ended with a play by the children of Ain el Helwe.